Gauthier commits to Lakers

SAULT STE. MARIE — Will Gauthier plans to play college hockey in his hometown.

Gauthier has made a verbal commitment to continue his hockey career at Lake Superior State University. He would likely play a year of Junior A hockey before joining the Lakers in the 2015-16 season.

Gauthier, who will be a senior at Sault High this upcoming school year, committed to LSSU in July. He is the first Sault High player to make a Division I commitment while still with the Blue Devils since Scott Smith in 1989.

"Our program, and Sault High are very happy and proud of Will receiving the scholarship," Sault High coach John Ferroni said. "He is an example of hard work in the classroom and on the ice. His willingness to learn, and adjust his game the past two seasons with Blue Devil hockey is now making him a more complete player. Will has a wonderful opportunity to get a great education in his career field and play D-I hockey in front of his family and friends."

While several players from Sault Ste. Marie have played Division I hockey recently, Scott Smith was the only one who committed to a college team while a Blue Devil. Smith signed with Northern Michigan University in 1989, and was on the Wildcats' 1991 national championship team.

"I see a lot of similarities between those two (Gauthier and Smith), said Ferroni, who also coached Smith in pee wees and bantam hockey. "Both are very skilled offensively, and they both have the work ethic to go with it."

Gauthier was the leading scorer and the Blue Devils' MVP the past two seasons. He was an All-State Division 3 selection as a junior, helping the Blue Devils finish 22-9 and reach the state championship game.

Gauthier, approximately 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, is expected to be part of a strong senior class returning to Sault High's team this upcoming season.

"He's been a gifted offensive kid for awhile," Ferroni said. "I think the thing that has helped him take his game up another level has been his dediction to improve defensively and have a defense-first approach, which has made him a well-rounded player.

"He's been very coachable and has done all the right things," Ferroni said. "He's also a great student. Lake Superior will be getting a very good kid."